100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

Drooping pear tree amid species identified for eradication in new biosecurity plan

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

Greens announce candidates for Coast electorates

The Queensland Greens have officially launched the campaigns of two candidates on the Sunshine Coast, ahead of the federal election. Sue Etheridge and Renay Wells, More

Photo of the day: last light

“Dusk at the summit of Port Arkwright is a common spot for locals to wind down,” writes Ashraf Saleh. If you have a photo of More

B2B: Have you got your workforce plan in place?

Building a workforce plan is essential for businesses. The workforce plan helps align the organisation’s human resources with its strategic goals and objectives. Step 1: Review More

On the way: cyclone heads towards coast

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is bearing down on South-East Queensland, where communities are preparing for its arrival within days. The Category 2 system, which was tracking More

‘Difficult decision’: triathlon rescheduled amid cyclone threat

One of the Sunshine Coast's premier events has been cancelled because of the impending arrival of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The Mooloolaba Triathlon, which attracts more More

Shop shelves stripped as residents sandbag for cyclone

People have been accused of acting like "vultures" as South-East Queensland braces for a cyclone to hit for the first time in 50 years. Authorities More

A cactus native to South America, foxes and feral deer are among the targeted species in the region’s new biosecurity plan.

Residents can now explore the plan to understand the region’s invasive plant and animal species and to find out about how they can be managed.

Councillor Winston Johnston said biosecurity was in everyone’s hands.

“When everyone takes action on biosecurity, it benefits the whole region,” he said.

“In our Sunshine Coast Biosphere, our environment, communities and economy are interconnected and these can all be impacted by invasive plants and animals.

“For example, feral deer trample habitat and ringbark trees, cost farmers in damaged crops and pasture, and pose a serious danger to motorists.”

The fox is a pest on the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Shutterstock

Cr Johnston said the plan identified reasonable and practical measures to manage 81 priority invasive species.

“We aim to prevent invasive species from infiltrating our region, eradicate those that we’ve found in low numbers, contain those found in some areas of our region, and manage those that are widespread to reduce their impact.”

Among them is drooping tree pear (Opuntia monacantha), a cactus native to South America that can quickly take over natural areas and become a costly infestation in agriculture.

A restricted species under the Biosecurity Act 2014, it is identified for eradication from our region under the new plan.

A drooped pear tree is removed from land at Bli Bli.

Councillor Maria Suarez said the plan identified invasive plants, not listed under the Biosecurity Act 2014, that damage environmental areas and are impacting our communities.

These locally significant invasive species include blue and coastal morning glory, cocos palm and thorny poinciana.

“Our biosecurity plan has been informed by feedback from the Invasive Weeds Taskforce, which includes landholders, First Nations representatives, Queensland Government, the local agricultural sector and community groups,” she said.

“We need our landholders and communities to be equipped with the knowledge and ability to manage invasive species that impact our region.

“We made these priorities more understandable and practical, so it’s easier for landholders and residents to manage invasive plants and animals on their property.”

Invasive animals such as foxes and wild dogs pose a threat to pets and livestock, while rabbits can be devastating to our agricultural sector.

Invasive plants out-compete native species, reducing the food available to wildlife with impacts across ecosystems, while others are toxic to humans and animals, threaten agricultural activities or can choke dams and waterways.

Council carries out ongoing invasive plant and animal management throughout the region while running programs to help landholders manage invasive plants on private properties.

Council endorsed the Sunshine Coast Biosecurity Plan 2024, updating the 2017 plan, at its October 24 Ordinary Meeting.

It also endorsed a supporting implementation plan which outlines a range of ongoing and new council actions.

New additions to the eradication list include the cane cactus (Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica), Eve’s pin cactus (Austrocylindropuntia subulata) and Cholla cacti (specific Cylindropuntia species).

Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

Hidden
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
[scn_go_back_button] Return Home
Share